Description
This TikTok Spaghetti Alfredo is a comforting baked pasta casserole combining creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, hearty Italian sausage in marinara, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it layers rich flavors and textures for a satisfying one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (16-oz) package spaghetti noodles
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for sauce consistency)
Meat Sauce and Topping
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce (marinara)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt one stick of butter. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, season with salt and black pepper, then stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Alfredo: Toss the cooked spaghetti noodles with the Alfredo sauce thoroughly using tongs. Spread the coated spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a separate large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce until well combined and heated through. Spread this meat sauce evenly over the Alfredo-coated spaghetti layer.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting TikTok Spaghetti Alfredo casserole!
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the Alfredo sauce to your preferred consistency without diluting flavor.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different taste.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use a vegetable-based spaghetti sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best cheese flavor and melting quality.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
